South Korea Lifts Nine‑Year Corporate Crypto Ban

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission has ended a nine-year ban on corporate crypto investments, originally imposed over money laundering concerns. Around 3,500 listed companies and professional investors can now allocate up to 5% of their equity annually to the top 20 cryptocurrencies on major exchanges like Upbit. Exchanges must apply staggered trades and size limits to reduce volatility. Stablecoin inclusion, such as USDT, remains under review. Critics argue the 5% cap is tighter than rules in the U.S. or Japan, while the move aligns with South Korea’s 2026 growth strategy and spot ETF plans.